Spinal stenosis is a condition that is caused by a gradual narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing usually happens as a result of the normal aging process. As we age, degeneration of the spinal structure occurs affecting both the facet joints and the intervertabral discs.
Arthritis in parts of the spine called facet joints causes those joints to enlarge, limiting the space available for the nerve roots. There can also be formation of bone spurs which grow into the spinal canal, narrowing the space available for the nerve roots and spinal cord, putting pressure on those nerves and causing symptoms of pain, radiation of pain and bowel and bladder impairment.
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